Chapter 9

Violet couldn't shake Clara's words from her mind. You shouldn't go there again. The way she had said it, so quietly yet with unmistakable urgency, made Violet uneasy. Was it simply grief that made Clara feel that way, or was there something more? The rational part of her told her to heed the warning, to let the matter rest, but her curiosity refused to be ignored.

During their lessons later that day, Violet studied Clara carefully, searching for any sign of unease. But the girl seemed her usual self—focused, eager to learn, and even cheerful at times. She had a sharp mind and soaked in knowledge quickly, something Violet genuinely admired. Theo, ever the diligent student, displayed his usual aptitude, excelling not only in mathematics but also in biology. Yet, as Violet observed him, she noticed something else. He was watching Clara. Not obviously, not enough for Clara herself to notice, but his gaze flickered to his younger sister every so often, a quiet vigilance in his posture. He was worried about her.

After the lesson, Theo lingered for a moment as Clara gathered her books. He caught Violet's eye and, in a quiet voice, said, "Thank you, Miss Rowe. Clara enjoys these lessons. I haven't seen her this engaged in a while."

Violet nodded thoughtfully. "She has a natural curiosity. Given the right guidance, I think she could accomplish a great deal."

Theo nodded, a small hint of relief crossing his features before he left the room, following Clara. Violet was left alone, still haunted by the many questions circling in her mind.

She wandered the mansion, her thoughts heavy. The house itself always seemed oppressive, its grand halls and dark corridors filled with shadows that didn't quite feel empty. As she walked, she found herself drawn to the library, one of the only places in the estate where she felt at ease.

Inside, she found Everette, lounging in one of the high-backed chairs with a book lazily draped in his hands. He looked up when she entered, raising a brow before smirking slightly. "Miss Rowe. Have you come to enlighten yourself or merely to escape?"

Violet hesitated before stepping further inside. "Maybe a bit of both."

He closed his book but didn't set it down, watching her with an amused expression. "I suppose one needs an escape now and then in this house."

There was something about his tone, something that made her wonder if he was being lighthearted or if there was truth behind his words. Deciding to take a chance, she asked, "Everette, may I ask you something?"

He tilted his head slightly, as if intrigued. "That depends. Will it be an interesting question?"

Violet ignored the teasing. "Clara told me to stay away from the greenhouse."

Everette's expression barely shifted, but there was a flicker of something in his dark eyes. "Did she?"

"Yes. And Felix mentioned it was a place their mother used to spend time. But there was something about Clara's warning. She seemed… afraid."

Everette studied her for a moment before setting his book aside. "There are places in this house that hold ghosts, Miss Rowe. Some real, some imagined."

His response sent a small shiver down her spine. "And which are in the greenhouse?"

Everette chuckled softly. "That depends on who you ask."

Violet frowned. "Why speak in riddles? If there is something I should know—"

He waved a hand dismissively. "You're asking too many questions for someone so new to this family."

That silenced her for a moment. She swallowed, knowing she wouldn't get more out of him. He was as evasive as the rest of them, speaking in carefully chosen words that told her very little.

Before she left, another question rose in her mind. One that had nothing to do with the greenhouse. "The stolen jewelry… what was it like?"

Everette glanced at her, seemingly caught off guard by the shift in topic. "Why do you ask?"

Violet shrugged lightly. "No real reason. It just seems to be a matter that lingers in this house, and I was curious."

He considered her for a moment before answering. "It was a collection of pieces, but the most notable was a necklace—a family heirloom. It was given to Lysandra by my father's first wife." He leaned back in his chair, his voice taking on a nostalgic lilt. "It had a blue gemstone at its center. Quite striking."

Violet felt her breath hitch. A blue gemstone.

Her mind raced back to the greenhouse, to the glint of blue she had barely glimpsed before Felix interrupted her. Could it be…?

She quickly masked her reaction and gave a polite nod. "I see. Thank you for telling me."

Everette watched her for a moment, but then simply gave a small nod, dismissing her as he picked up his book once more.

As Violet exited the library, her mind was spinning. That was the stolen jewellery. It had to be. But what was it doing in the greenhouse? And why had it never been found?

She was so lost in thought that she almost didn't notice the figure standing near the hall ahead.

Ophelia.

Arms crossed, expression unreadable, watching her.

Violet slowed her steps, her heartbeat quickening. There was something unsettling about the way Ophelia stood there, as if she had been waiting.

Then, after a long moment, Ophelia turned and walked away, disappearing down the corridor.

Violet released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

Something told her that Ophelia's gaze wasn't a coincidence.